Pillar guide

Custom team apparel: per-order, no minimums, direct shipping

The classic custom apparel model — coordinator collects orders, places one bulk run with a screen-printer, picks up a giant box, distributes at practice — has a better alternative for most teams. Per-order custom apparel: each family orders their own gear online, gear is printed individually, ships directly to them. No minimums, no inventory, no distribution day. This guide covers how it works and when it's the right fit.

Bulk vs per-order: when each makes sense

Bulk custom apparel (Custom Ink, local screen printers) is the right fit when:

• You need ≥24 of the same item with the same design
• The coordinator is willing to collect cash + sizes + distribute by hand
• Per-piece price is the only thing that matters
• You want a free-form custom design tool with extensive editing

Per-order custom apparel (TeamStores.AI, similar platforms) is the right fit when:

• Some athletes will order, some won't (no minimum participation guarantee)
• You want personalization (player name + number) per family
• You want a multi-product catalog, not just one t-shirt design
• You want to remove the coordinator from cash-collection + distribution
• You're running a recurring seasonal program, not a one-off campaign

How per-order custom apparel works

1. Coordinator picks a sport-specific catalog and uploads the team logo + colors.
2. Each product is set up with sizing options + base cost + coordinator markup.
3. The store opens with a public URL the coordinator shares.
4. Each family adds items to their cart, enters player name + number, and pays via Stripe.
5. The store closes on a set date (typically 14-21 days after open).
6. Every order is printed individually + shipped to the family who placed it via USPS with tracking.

Total turnaround from store close to gear in family's hands: ~2 weeks.

What you can customize

• Jerseys — sport-specific, with player name + number
• Warm-ups — pants, jackets, full sets
• Spirit wear — hoodies, t-shirts, sweatpants for athletes + family fans
• Accessories — bags, hats, headbands, socks
• Coach gear — polos, pullovers, branded outerwear

Each item supports team-color customization + logo placement. Per-order personalization (player name + number) is included at no extra cost.

Print methods + quality

• Sublimation for full-color graphics on polyester (jerseys, shorts)
• Screen print for solid-color logos on cotton (t-shirts, hoodies)
• Embroidery for premium feel on hats, polos, jackets
• DTG / digital print for photographic detail when needed

Method is auto-selected per product based on what produces best results for that fabric. All gear is fulfilled by Merch Farm in the US with a defect-free guarantee.

When you should NOT use per-order custom apparel

• League-spec game uniforms. If your league has strict uniform specs (specific number positions, fabric weights, etc.), a traditional team dealer like BSN Sports is usually a better fit.
• Single-design large-volume bulk orders. If you want 200 of the exact same t-shirt with no personalization, a screen-printer or Custom Ink will be cheaper per piece.
• Free-form design tool needs. If your design is highly custom and needs interactive editing, Custom Ink's design studio is industry-leading.

Common questions

More: templates · live stores · full FAQ